2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Cruz, CA vs Murphys, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Murphys older or younger than people in Santa Cruz?
- The Median Age in Murphys is 34.3 years older than in Santa Cruz.

Are housing costs cheaper in Murphys or Santa Cruz?
- Murphys housing costs are 60.7% less expensive than Santa Cruz housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Murphys or Santa Cruz?
- The average commute for residents of Murphys is 12.1 minutes longer than it is for residents of Santa Cruz.

Things to do in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz, California is an incredible city located in the heart of the Monterey Bay area. This beautiful city offers plenty for visitors to explore such as the stunning natural beaches or the charming downtown area. Residents here also take advantage of all the outdoor activities available at Santa Cruz Boardwalk and Beach, Wilder Ranch State Park, and Seymour Marine Discovery Center. With its excellent school systems, thriving businesses, and numerous recreational opportunities, it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Santa Cruz their home.

Things to do in Murphys?
Living in Murphys is a truly unique and rewarding experience. The historic downtown area is full of quaint shops, cafes and restaurants, making it ideal for strolling around and absorbing the atmosphere on a sunny day. The surrounding Sierra Nevada foothills provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, camping and rafting. The nearby Calaveras Big Trees State Park offers spectacular views of giant sequoias and other natural wonders. Wineries dot the landscape, providing an excellent selection of local wines to enjoy while taking in the picturesque scenery. With its small town charm and abundance of activities to partake in, Murphys is a delightful place to call home.

 Santa Cruz, CAMurphys, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock1,928329,725,481
 Median Income$96,217  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock63.338.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,270,800  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time23.45  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Santa Cruz    44 Reviews

I lived in the Santa Cruz area for 20 years. UCSC alum. Our kids were born there. There are wonderful things about Santa Cruz, but also many serious problems that we  More

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Over 5 years ago

I have been here for four generations! My kids are the fifth. I guess that should tell you how wonderful it is here, at least for us. It's so cool to have world class  More

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I was born over the hill in San Jose area, and as a kid I loved coming over to the boardwalk. Santa Cruz has always been and always will be a town of diversity,  More

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Reviews for Murphys    2 Reviews

Over 17 years ago

First I should say that Murphys elevation is about 2000 feet despite what the info on this site says. The summers are hot! Very close to Central Valley of California  More

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Over 19 years ago

Murphys is a quaint little town with many activities within a short driving distance but the cost of living in this part of California is high. Many Bay area residents  More

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